Abstract: The author reviews the national and international literature on medical errors and adverse events. Contributing factors are identified, such as organisational culture, the myth of infallibility, and a one size fits all approach to health care. Conflict and communication difficulties between different health professionals is discussed in detail, as is the issue of disruptive behaviour, which includes intimidation, humiliation, undermining, domination and bullying. Some strategies for addressing these issues are proposed, such as promoting a no-blame culture, and addressing conflict between health professionals.

Abstract: This thesis explores the customary kaupapa of Matauranga Maori or Maori knowledge, which the author identifies as the appropriate technique to determine how health care should be maintained by and for Maori. The research highlights the need to meld these kaupapa with that of a contemporary Maori viewpoint, to focus more on a deeper enhancement of these kaupapa, and develop an understanding of the social, cultural, educational, political and economic contexts these concepts have on Maori as a people. This research identified six Maori registered women nurses, who shared their experiences regarding Matauranga Maori and its importance to their nursing practice. Over a period of one year, in-depth conversations unfolded and produced data on what Matauranga Maori involves and how the six participants in the study believe it influences their nursing practices. All were currently practicing nurses within various health settings such as psychiatric and comprehensive nursing. From the inception of this study, the focus was to introduce Matauranga Maori as the epistemological framework of choice. The author notes that the findings of this research indicate that a collection of key kaupapa, namely whakapapa, whanaungatanga, te reo Maori, wairuatanga, tuurangawaewae, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga are crucial to the health and wellbeing of Maori as a people. These kaupapa enable Maori to determine and strengthen their worldview, which in turn reflects the concept of being Maori thereby contributing to the health and status of their whanau, hapu and iwi. She goes on to say that the findings support the view that there is a substantial collection of kaupapa, which are inherent in Matauranga Maori as being able to provide a framework for theoretical research. These kaupapa will provide a framework for nursing practice and educational curricula that will develop and maintain nursing standards to meet the needs of Maori.

Abstract: Seeks to understand how clinical nurse managers build positive culture in their workplace, while identifying leadership attributes and actions for generating positive workplace culture. Interviews 10 clinical nurse managers from one secondary hospital in the North Island about their strategies to build positive workplace culture: preparation for their role; maintaining perspective, and intention to enhance collaborative behaviour.

Abstract: Examines the experiences of internationally-qualified nurses from the
Philippines and India upon migration to NZ. Employs an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study to survey the migrant nurses and to identify dominant themes.

Abstract: The author's art project “Posthuman Pathology” is a postmodern examination of the resolutely modernist culture of critical care medicine. She uses conceptual art practices in conjunction with the techniques of anti-aesthetics in order to dismantle, open out and critique ideas which are foundational to the culture of critical care.

Abstract: The authors conduct an audit of medical activity at Christchurch Hospital, a 650 bed tertiary centre, between 2230 and 0800 hours. They measured the volumes of tasks requiring completion overnight and identified the competencies required for this as well as the level of teamwork that existed. They found several organisational areas of concern, that indicate new approaches are required to staff the “hospital at night,” and an Out of Hours Multidisciplinary Team is recommended. Specific issues included the lack of teamwork from the Resident Medical Officers (RMOs), with some overextended while others were inactive. House officer tasks were largely generic rather than specialty specific; there was no formal handover from the afternoon or day shifts and the level of hospital medical staffing did not reflect the activity levels over the time period studied. The researchers also recommend an urgent review of the beep policy. A third of the admissions were to General Medicine, and basic medical activities (including admitting, reviewing, and prescribing drugs and fluids) for patients admitted under all specialties represented the majority of the night workload. Medical registrars had reduced some of the traditional multiple clerking by admitting patients themselves.

Abstract: Identifies early-career nurses' perceptions of their first two years of clinical practice, and how the organisational climate at a District Health Board (DHB) within NZ impacts on their success in clinical practice. Determines the relationship between three aspects of organisational climate -- nursing relationships, charge-nurse manager leadership, and staff organisation -- and early-career nurses' perceptions of job satisfaction and burnout. Receives 91 responses to a mixed-method survey. Identifies significant themes that emerged from thematic analysis: supervisor support, emotional labour, workload and staffing relations.

Abstract: In this paper, the author explores the concept of 'professional terrorism'. He exposes discrimination against male nurses as being a form of professional terrorism, primarily as it is enacted through use of language. He presents the concept of horizontal violence as a way to understand why nurses, as a marginalised group, perform oppressive acts towards male nurses, who are similarly oppressed. He outlines the cost of such a culture on nursing practice and presents strategies for change.